which factor best explains why native Americans were able to make permanent settlements?

A.Native Americans began to cultivate plants for food

B. Native Americans developed advanced tools and technology for hunting and gathering

C. Native Americans formed complex social and political structures
D. Native Americans benefited from a favorable climate and environment.

Correct! One of the main factors that best explains why Native Americans were able to make permanent settlements is that they began to cultivate plants for food. This shift from hunting and gathering to agriculture allowed them to grow crops like maize (corn), beans, and squash, which provided a more reliable food source. By settling in one place and cultivating crops, they no longer had to constantly move in search of food, leading to the development of permanent settlements.

To find the factor that best explains why Native Americans were able to make permanent settlements, we need to analyze historical information and factors that contribute to settled communities. One significant factor in Native Americans' ability to establish permanent settlements is their adoption of agriculture and plant cultivation.

Here's how you can arrive at this answer:

1. Start by researching the lifestyle and practices of Native American tribes before European contact.
2. Look for evidence of agricultural practices or the cultivation of crops by Native American communities.
3. Analyze the importance of agriculture in supporting settled, non-nomadic lifestyles.
4. Consider the relationship between agriculture and the establishment of permanent settlements in various historical contexts.
5. Compare the impact of agriculture with other potential factors (e.g., climate, access to resources, social organization) on the ability to sustain permanent settlements.

By considering these steps, you will find that Native Americans' adoption of plant cultivation and agriculture played a fundamental role in their ability to establish permanent settlements.